A Hunger Strike For Hashem Khastar

A human rights activist told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that on 12 May, several members of Mashad teachers’ unions went on a hunger strike to protest the continued detention of a Mashad teacher, Hashem Khastar. While on their hunger strike, the teachers went to Khastar’s home in Mashad on National Teacher’s Day, 12 May 2010.

A large group of ordinary people and union, political, and student activists in Mashad appeared at the imprisoned teacher’s home in honor of National Teacher’s Day. They demanded Mr. Khastar’s immediate release.

Mr. Khastar was first arrested on 15 June 2009. He was released six weeks later on a $35,000 bail. He was arrested again on 16 September and has remained in prison since. During this time his family have frequently reported on his deteriorating health in prison. Mr. Khastar’s requests for medical furlough have been denied.